National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Position Description:
Position Summary
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious and diverse research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. NRAO is an exciting and dynamic organization that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe through the construction and operation of some of the most powerful telescopes in the world. The NRAO offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, explore, and discover.
We are seeking an experienced electrical engineer/radar engineer for a two-year appointment to lead the technical aspects of a new radar project. This project seeks to build a high-power, high-frequency radar system on the Green Bank Telescope with returning signals received by NRAOs Very Long Baseline Array. You will have the opportunity to share your talents in engineering analysis, system design, hardware development, and technical decision acumen with the radar team to bring the project to success.
This radar engineering role will be based at one of the NRAO sites located in Charlottesville, Virginia, Green Bank, West Virginia; Socorro, NM. Remote work and teleworking arrangements may be considered; however, regular presence at NRAO sites is required.
What You Will be Doing:
- Responsible for leading the engineering analysis, design, testing, and installation, of radar systems across NRAO observatories.
- Make final technical decisions and recommendations in cooperation with the project team in design, procurement, manufacture, build, and test of equipment.
- Regularly meet with astronomers and other scientists to ensure system performance and science and other mission area requirements are in accord.
- Lead other engineering and technical personnel in the fabrication and test of equipment, and determine methods, procedures, and conditions for testing. Ensure manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to functional specifications, standards, and requirements.
- Use industry standard engineering and design software to design and implement data controls over electronic equipment, components, systems, or structures for radar transmitters, radio telescopes, and related systems.
- Work with software developers, scientists, and contractors to identify and solve problems.
- Author technical documentation detailing the radar system.
- Write programmatic documentation and drive projects from concept to operations.
- Communicate and present project advances to internal and external stakeholders.
Work Environment
Work is typically performed in a research or development environment, but employees may occasionally be required to work outdoors. Will be required to stand and sit and perform fine hand manipulation. Must be literate in personal computer use. Must work near moving mechanical parts and/or with electrical equipment. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Who You Are:
- You have at least three years of experience as an engineer working with radar systems.
- You have at least a bachelor's degree in a physical science, electrical engineering, systems engineering, computer science, or software engineering.
- In addition to radar engineering experience, you have knowledge, experience, and understanding in two or more of the following areas: radio frequency, microwave, or millimeter wave receivers, transmitters, and related systems, radio telescopes, satellite earth stations, interferometry or beam synthesis, high-voltage DC power supplies, and high-speed digital electronics.
- Experience with radio frequency and electromagnetic modeling and simulation software. Experience with CST, HFSS, and similar software is strongly preferred.
- You can demonstrate technical knowledge and skills related to testing or analysis of data from advanced radar systems. Knowledge of algorithm/mode techniques on radars is a plus.
- Engineering management experience is highly desired.
Competency Summary
- Strong interpersonal, teaming, and leadership skills
- Effective verbal communication skills and strong technical document composition
- Problem-solving skills
- Experience working with geographically dispersed teams
- Attention to detail
- Proactive work ethic and ability to work both with a team and independently
- Ability to take initiative and make technical project decisions
Total Rewards:
Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees overall well-being and career growth.
Compensation
AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.
Factors which may affect starting pay may include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.
For open rank positions, the starting salary rates for each level is between:
- Position level III ($78,806) - ($120,837)
- Position level IV ($90,015) - ($138,024)
- Position level Sr ($94,516) ($153,117)
Benefits:
AUIs benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUIs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.
Application Instructions:
Select the Apply button. You will be required to upload a cover letter describing your interest in and relevant knowledge and experience for this position in addition to your current resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit . If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to .
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The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
PId2385d2-34891879
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